Two-way mirror display for dental treatment system

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods utilizing a two-way mirror display for patient self-positioning for dental x-ray image acquisition. The system includes a camera configured to capture an image of a patient, a display, a two-way mirror positioned between a patient location and the display, and an electronic processor. The electronic processor is configured to select, based upon a user input, an operating mode for the display; and based upon the selected operating mode, displaying at least one image on the display. The method includes receiving image data from a camera, identifying at least one facial feature of the patient in the image data, determining if a face of the patient is aligned with at least one anatomical plane based upon the at least one facial feature, and displaying at least one movement guide on a display based upon the determined alignment of the face of the patient.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No.17/088,281, filed Nov. 3, 2020.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many dental procedures involve a patient's teeth being imaged by acamera or other image acquisition device, for example, an x-ray oroptical scanner or camera. The imaging results in the generation ofimages. Depending on the type of image acquisition device used and theprocedure performed, patients may be standing, sitting, or lying down ona treatment table during x-ray image acquisition.

X-ray image acquisition procedures can be difficult to complete. In manycases, precise and still positioning of the patient is needed to capturehigh-quality and accurate images of an anatomical region of interest.Patient movement can result in capturing images of areas other than adesired anatomical region of interest. Patient movement may result indegraded image quality. Shaking, rocking, talking, or other patientmovement may result in blurred or otherwise low-quality images. In somecases, a patient may become fearful, agitated, or tired. A patient maymove back and forth, move out of a desired patient position, or not holda desired position long enough for x-ray image acquisition to complete.In some cases, the patient may feel isolated and feel that he or she isreceiving inadequate feedback from a dentist or dental technicianregarding the image of acquisition or the position of the patient. Thus,a dentist or dental technician must often attempt to precisely positionpatients while also managing their patients' anxiety and desire forhuman communication while x-ray image acquisition is taking place.

SUMMARY

Therefore, a system is needed to assist in positioning the patient forproper x-ray image acquisition. By properly positioning the patient andaiding in maintaining the proper position throughout the x-ray imageacquisition procedure, images with better image quality and lesspositioning error image artefacts can be produced. Better images lead tofaster, more accurate treatment planning, reduce the need for repeatedimage acquisitions, and increase x-ray image acquisition efficiency andthroughput for a dental facility.

Among other things, embodiments systems described herein help to correctfor inexperienced system operators, for example, new dental technicians,who may not be fully trained in the operation of dental x-ray imageacquisition systems. By providing self-positioning guidance to thepatient, the operator's inexperience is reduced as a factor in acquiringhigh quality images.

Patient satisfaction is also increased. In some embodiments, the patienthas an active role in self-positioning for x-ray image acquisition.Self-positioning may result in a more relaxed and engaged patient duringthe imaging procedure, which leads to less patient-induced error in theimages produced during the procedure. In addition, some embodimentsprovide patient-specific workflows in order to accommodate specificpatient needs. In one example, patients with bad eyesight or hearing areprovided with larger graphics or more text to aid in self-positioningfor the image acquisition procedure. In another example, a patient thatonly speaks one language is provided with instructions in their nativelanguage to better facilitate communication with the patient.

One embodiment provides a dental x-ray image acquisition system. Thesystem includes at least one camera configured to capture an image of apatient, a display configured to display an image, a two-way mirrorpositioned in between a patient location and the display, and anelectronic processor coupled to the camera and the display, theelectronic processor configured to control the display and the camera.

Another embodiment provides a dental x-ray image acquisition system. Thesystem includes a camera configured to capture an image of a patient, adisplay, a two-way mirror positioned in between a patient location andthe display, and an electronic processor coupled to the camera and thedisplay, the electronic processor configured to select, based upon auser input, an operating mode for the display and, based upon theselected operating mode, display at least one image on the display.

A further embodiment provides a method for positioning a patient forx-ray image acquisition. The method includes receiving, with anelectronic processor, image data from a camera; identifying, with theelectronic processor, at least one facial feature of the patient in theimage data; determining, with the electronic processor, if a face of thepatient is aligned with at least one anatomical plane based upon the atleast one facial feature; and displaying, with the electronic processor,at least one movement guide on a display based upon the determinedalignment of the face of the patient.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer toidentical or functionally similar elements throughout the separateviews, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated inand form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrateembodiments of concepts that include the claimed invention, and explainvarious principles and advantages of those embodiments.

FIG. 1A illustrates a system for imaging a patient according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 1B illustrates an x-ray imaging system according to one embodiment.

FIG. 1C illustrates an x-ray imaging system according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a display apparatus according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3A illustrates a positioning guide including a mid-sagittal guideline overlaid on an image of a patient according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3B illustrates a positioning guide including a mid-sagittal guideline overlaid on an image of a patient and a movement guide according toone embodiment.

FIG. 4A illustrates a first instance of a positioning guide according toone embodiment.

FIG. 4B illustrates a second instance of a positioning guide accordingto one embodiment.

FIG. 4C illustrates a third instance of a positioning guide according toone embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a progress indicator and a positioning guideaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method of positioning a patientfor x-ray image acquisition according to one embodiment.

The apparatus and method components have been represented whereappropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only thosespecific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments ofthe present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with detailsthat will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the arthaving the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For ease of description, some or all of the example systems presentedherein are illustrated with a single example of each of its componentparts. Some examples may not describe or illustrate all components ofthe systems. Other example embodiments may include more or fewer of eachof the illustrated components, may combine some components, or mayinclude additional or alternative components.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for imaging a patient 105 located at apatient location P1 according to one embodiment. The system 100 includesat least one camera 110, a two-way mirror 115, and a display 120. Thetwo-way mirror 115 is positioned in between the patient location P1 andthe display 120. The system 100 also includes an electronic processor125, a non-transitory computer-readable memory 130, and a human-machineinterface 135. As its name implies, the two-way mirror 115 appearsreflective on one side and transparent at the other. As is explained ingreater detail below, the perception of one-way transmission is achievedwhen one side of the mirror is brightly lit and the other side is dark.This allows viewing from the darkened side but not from the brightly litside.

In some embodiments, the system 100 for imaging a patient 105 is coupledto or otherwise implemented with an X-ray imaging system. An example ofan X-ray imaging system 140 is illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 1C. The X-rayimaging system 140 includes a column 145 that extends vertically, forexample, from a frame or ground surface. In some embodiments, the column145 is vertically adjustable (for example, in a telescoping manner).

The X-ray imaging system 140 additionally includes an upper shelf 150(for example, arm or top support member) that can be rotatably coupledto the column 145 generally at an upper end of the column 145 or fixedat a particular point on the column 145. In the illustrated embodiment,the upper shelf 150 is oriented along a direction that is perpendicular(for example, horizontal) to the column 145. In other embodiments, theX-ray imaging system 140 includes a housing coupled to the column, andthe upper shelf is instead rotatably coupled to the housing.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1B and 1C, the X-ray imaging system140 additionally includes a rotating part 155 (for example, arm organtry arm) that is coupled to the upper shelf 150. The illustratedrotating part 155 is generally C-shaped, although other embodimentsinclude other shapes. The rotating part 155 includes an X-ray source 160(illustrated schematically in FIG. 1B) at one end of the rotating part155, and a detector unit 165 (illustrated schematically in both FIG. 1.B and FIG. 1C) at an opposite end of the rotating part 155, such that ahead of the patient 105 can be positioned therebetween to produce (forexample, provide data for) a panoramic, computed tomography, orcephalometric image. For example, FIG. 1B illustrates an example of apanoramic or computed tomography imaging, while FIG. 1C illustrates anexample of a cephalometric imaging.

In some embodiments, the X-ray imaging system 140 additionally includesat least one cephalometric arm 170 coupled (for example, rotationallycoupled) to the column 145. The cephalometric arm 170 has a distal endhaving a second X-ray source 175 for use in the cephalometric imaging.As illustrated in FIG. 1C, the rotating part 155 includes a collimator180, such that when the second X-ray source 175 is activated, an X-raybeam is sent through the collimator 180 to the detector unit 165. Insome embodiments where there are two X-ray sources (X-ray source 160 andX-ray source 175), the upper shelf 150 may optionally pivot via therotating part 155, but it is not necessary for the upper shelf 150 to beable to pivot, and instead the upper shelf 150 may be in a fixedlocation. In other embodiments, two X-ray sources are not used. In theseembodiments, the X-ray source 160 is used, for example, for CT,panoramic imaging, and cephalometric imaging. In some embodiments, CTimage data gathered from the X-ray source 160 may be used to synthesizecephalometric images.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1B and 1C, in the illustratedembodiment the X-ray imaging system 140 additionally includes a lowershelf 185 coupled to the column 145. In some embodiments, the lowershelf 185 is fixed to the column 145, whereas in other embodiments thelower shelf rotationally coupled to the column 145. The lower shelf 185provides added support for the head (for example, chin) of the patient105. Other embodiments do not include a lower shelf, or include a lowershelf other than that illustrated.

While not illustrated, in some embodiments the X-ray imaging system 140includes an additional arm or arms having a further patient supportstructure (for example, ear or nose supports) for supporting thepatient's head during cephalometric imaging, and/or includes a chairsuch that the patient may instead be seated (as opposed to standing)during one or more of the panoramic, computed tomography, orcephalometric imaging.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1B and 1C, at least one of the camera110, the two-way mirror 115, and the display 120 is coupled (forexample, rigidly attached or rotationally coupled) to the column 145 orto another component of the X-ray imaging system 140 (for example, theupper shelf 150 or the rotating part 155). In the illustratedembodiment, the display 120 (which is illustrated schematically andincludes the camera 110) is fixed to the column 145. The two-way mirror115 (also illustrated schematically) is fixed in place in front of thedisplay 120, such that the display is positioned between the outside ofthe column 145 and the two-way mirror 115. In some embodiments,fasteners or other structures are used to secure the display 120 and/ortwo-way mirror 115 in place. In some embodiments, the display 120 and/ortwo-way mirror 115 are integrated into the column 145 itself. In yetother embodiments, the display and/or two-way mirror 115 are spaced fromthe column 145. For example, in some embodiments the display 120 and/ortwo-way mirror 115 are coupled to their own separate column that isspaced away from the column 145, and that extends from a frame or groundsurface similar to the column 145.

During use, and as described further below, the two-way mirror 115 ispositioned in front of a face of the patient 105 to help align thepatient 105 for imaging by the X-ray imaging system 140.

Returning to FIG. 1A, the camera 110 is used for capturing image data ofthe patient 105. In some embodiments, the camera 110 may be locatedabove the two-way mirror 115. In other embodiments, the camera 110 maybe located behind the two-way mirror 115 and is configured to captureimages through the two-way mirror 115. The camera 110 may also be athree-dimensional (“3-D”) camera. A 3-D camera may be a stereo camera ora multi-camera setup based on stereo triangulation or a camera with astereo lens. A 3-D camera may also be a range camera operating accordingto any range imaging technique, for example stereo triangulation, sheetof light triangulation, structured light, time-of-flight,interferometry, coded aperture or any other range imaging technique.

The two-way mirror 115 reflects and transmits light through both sidesof the two-way mirror 115. The brighter side of the two-way mirrordictates what a user of the two-way mirror 115 sees. For example, if thepatient is looking at a patient side surface 116 of the two-way mirror115 and light on the patient side surface 116 is brighter than light ona display side surface 117, the patient 105 sees the two-way mirror 115as a regular mirror reflecting the patient 105. In contrast, if light onthe display side surface 117 is brighter than light on the patient sidesurface 116, the patient is able to see through the two-way mirror 115to observe objects on the display side surface 117, for example, thedisplay 120.

The display 120 may be, for example, a computer monitor, tabletcomputer, or other electronic display that is configured to display, forexample, images, user interfaces, alignment lines, and other visualobjects to the patient 105. Assuming that illumination conditions in apatient environment (e.g., a dental practice room) remain constant, thebrightness of the display 120 controls what the patient 105 views in orthrough the two-way mirror 115.

An example of the display 120 is illustrated in FIG. 2 . The display 120may include the camera 110, one or more lights 205-206, a primarydisplay area 210, a sensor 215, and optionally at least one laser 220.

As described above, the camera 110 may be located behind the two-waymirror 115 and may be a component of the display 120. For example, ifthe display 120 is a tablet computer, the camera 110 may be anintegrated camera of the tablet computer. The one or more lights 205-206are configured to provide light for a dental professional who isexamining the patient 105. In some embodiments, the one or more lights205-206 are not components of the display 120, and the display 120 isinstead configured to provide light to the patient 105 through thetwo-way mirror 115 as described below.

The primary display area 210 is used to display various informativegraphics to the patient 105. The sensor 215 can be a variety ofdifferent sensors, for example, an ambient light sensor, IR sensor,LIDAR sensor, or other sensor. The at least one laser 220 is used to aidin detecting the patient 105 and positioning the patient 105. Inembodiments where no laser is present, a line may instead be virtuallydrawn on the display 120 to aid in patient positioning and alignment.Each of these elements may be located behind the two-way mirror 115.

The display 120 can be operated in various modes in order to controlwhat the patient 105 can see. A first mode is a mirror mode. The mirrormode is active when the display 120 is turned off or shows a low lightintensity, dark background image. For example, the dark background imagemay be all-black, dark blue, dark brown, or another suitable dark color.Because the brightness of the display 120 is much less on the patientside surface 116 of the two-way mirror 115 than on the display sidesurface 117, the two-way mirror 115 acts as a regular mirror reflectingthe face of the patient 105.

A second mode of the display 120 is a light mode. In the light mode, thedisplay 120 outputs a high-intensity white image and the two-way mirror115 transmits light from that image to the patient 105, allowing thedisplay 120 to be used as a traditional lighting element by a dentalprofessional.

A third mode of the display 120 is a monitor mode. In the monitor mode,the display 120 outputs captured images and is used as a normal monitorto provide information to the patient 105. For example, a video feedfrom the camera 110, dental information relevant to the patient 105, orother images or graphics are displayed on the display 120 when thedisplay is in the monitor mode.

A fourth mode is of the display is an augmented mode. In the augmentedmode, some portions of the display 120 output a low light intensity, allblack background and other portions of the display 120 output high lightintensity graphics. The two-way mirror 115 reflects the black backgroundportions as if a regular mirror (e.g., allows the patient 105 to seetheir own face) and also allows the graphics to shine through and bevisible to the patient 105. In this way, instructions, statistics,reports, text, and other graphics can be presented to the patient 105while still reflecting the face of the patient 105. The graphics provideadditional information augmented on top of the mirrored face of thepatient 105.

In one embodiment, the display 120, when operating in the augmentedmode, illustrates a positioning guide for the patient 105 to positionthemselves for x-ray image acquisition by the camera 110. Thepositioning guide may be, for example, a mid-sagittal vertical guideline, for example, the guide line found in FIG. 3A. The guide line ispositioned over the reflected face of the patient 105 and provides areference point for the patient 105 to align themselves for x-ray imageacquisition by the camera 110. In other embodiments, a movement guide isprovided along with the positioning guide. For example, FIG. 3Billustrates both a mid-sagittal vertical guide line and a movement guide305 shown in this embodiment as an arrow shape. The movement guide 305provides directions to the patient 105 in order to help align thepatient 105 for scanning, for example, the movement guide 305 indicatingfor the patient 105 to move in the direction of the arrow to properlyalign the patient 105 for x-ray image acquisition.

The positioning guide and the movement guide (for example, the movementguide 305) may be more complex than a guide line and arrow. For example,FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate different instances of a positioning guide 400according to one embodiment. Movement guides 401-403 illustratedifferent alignments of the head of the patient 105. For example,movement guide 401 illustrates an alignment of the head of the patient105 in a first anatomical plane, movement guide 402 illustrates analignment of the head of the patient 105 in a second anatomical plane,and movement guide 403 illustrates an alignment of the head of thepatient 105 in a third anatomical plane. In embodiments with morecameras, more views of more anatomical planes can be captured.

To properly acquire images of the patient 105, the head of the patient105 must be aligned in the first, second, and third anatomical planes.The movement guides 401-403 not only illustrate the current alignment ofthe head of the patient 105, but also provide indications to the patient105 of proper or improper alignment. In order to determine proper orimproper alignment, image data from the camera 110 is analyzed by theelectronic processor 125 in order to determine patient position. Forexample, facial features of the patient 105 may be used to detectvarious relevant axes, for example, a Frankfort line, a back-front line,a feet-head line, and the like. Using later frames from the image data,an initial facial model can be registered and used to update the axes,allowing for the current orientation of the head or face of the patient105 to be known.

For example, FIG. 4A illustrates a first instance of the positioningguide 400 indicating that the patient 105 is not in alignment. Inaddition to an outline of the head of the patient 105 providingreal-time alignment information to the patient 105 in the positioningguide 400, the movement guides 401-403 indicate that the head of thepatient 105 is out of alignment for each of the first, second, and thirdanatomical planes. This indication may be accomplished by displaying themovement guides 401 and 403 in a first color, for example, red, when thehead of the patient 105 is out of alignment with the first and thirdanatomical planes, respectively. This indication may also beaccomplished by displaying some other visual indication, for example, an“X” figure on the respective movement guide 401-403 where the head ofthe patient 105 is out of alignment. In other embodiments, audiodirections may be given to the patient 105 based upon the alignment ofthe patient 105. In further embodiments, visual indications and audiodirections may be used in tandem to position the patient 105.

FIG. 4B illustrates a second instance of the positioning guide 400.Based upon the outline provided by the positioning guide 400illustrating the current alignment of the head of the patient 105, thepatient 105 can reposition their head to move into alignment. As each ofthe first, second, and third anatomical planes of the head of thepatient 105 are aligned, the movement guides 401-403 change dynamicallyto indicate to the patient 105 that the head is aligned in each plane.For example, in FIG. 4B, movement guides 401 and 403 change colors, stopdisplaying an alignment line, and display a check mark to indicate tothe patient 105 that the head is aligned in the first and thirdanatomical planes. Portions of the positioning guide 400 may also bedisplayed in a different color or add or remove particular graphicalelements when the head of the patient 105 is aligned in particularanatomical planes.

FIG. 4C illustrates a third instance of the positioning guide 400. InFIG. 4C, the movement guides 401-403 now all indicate that the head isproperly aligned with each of the anatomical planes. Other portions ofthe positioning guide 400 may also change, for example, an outline ofthe positioning guide changing colors.

Once the patient 105 is properly positioned, the x-ray image acquisitionprocedure can begin. To help maintain proper patient position, thedisplay 120, in some embodiments, displays a progress indicator (in oneexample, a progress bar) in addition to the positioning guide 400. Forexample, FIG. 5 illustrates the positioning guide 400 being displayedalong with a progress indicator 500. The progress indicator 500indicates to the patient 105 how far along the x-ray image acquisitionprocedure is so that the patient 105 knows to maintain the properposition until the procedure is complete. By staying still during theprocedure, motion artefacts are reduced. While the progress indicator500 is illustrated as a progress bar in FIG. 5 , the progress indicatormay be any suitable graphic for indicating progress to the patient, forexample, a spinning wheel, a text box showing a percentage ofcompletion, or other method of showing progress.

In some embodiments, the display 120 is not coupled to the column of theX-ray imaging system 140. In some instances, it is connected or coupledto other components of the X-ray imaging system 140. In still otherembodiments, the display 120 is located near the X-ray imaging system140, for example, in the same room, and is communicatively coupled tothe X-ray imaging system 140. In these embodiments, instead of providingdirections to the patient 105 through the two-way mirror 115 with thedisplay 120, the camera 110 captures images of the face of the patient105 and a second user, such as a nurse, dentist, dental hygienist, orother operator, views the captured images from the camera 110 on thedisplay 120 and provides instructions to the patient 105 to properlyposition for an x-ray imaging procedure. Much like the movement guides401-403 described above, the second user of the display 120 can seedisplayed movement guides on the display 120 and provide instructions tothe patient 105 for positioning based on the displayed movement guides.

Returning to FIG. 1A, the electronic processor 125 is electronicallyconnected to the display 120 and the camera 110 and, among otherfunctions, controls the operation of the display 120 and the camera 110.The electronic processor 125 may be a programmable electronicmicroprocessor, a microcontroller, an application-specific integratedcircuit (“ASIC”), or a similar device. The electronic processor 125 maybe implemented in several independent processors (for example,programmable electronic control units) each configured to performspecific functions or sub-functions. Additionally, the electronicprocessor may contain sub-modules configured to handle input/outputfunctions, processing of signals, and application of the methodsdescribed herein.

The electronic processor 125 is also communicatively coupled to thenon-transitory, computer-readable medium 130 and the human-machineinterface 135. The electronic processor 125 is configured to retrievedata from the non-transitory, computer-readable medium 130 and execute,among other things, software related to the processes and methodsdescribed herein.

The human-machine interface 135 includes an input device, an outputdevice, or a combination thereof. For example, the human-machineinterface 135 may include a display device separate from the display120, a touchscreen, a keyboard, a keypad, a button, a cursor-controldevice, a printer, a speaker, a virtual reality headset, a microphone,and the like. In some embodiments, the system 100 includes multiplehuman-machine interfaces. For example, the system 100 may include atouchscreen and a keypad. In some embodiments, the human-machineinterface 135 is included in the same housing as the electronicprocessor 125. However, in other embodiments, the human-machineinterface 135 may be external to the electronic processor 125 butcommunicates with the electronic processor 125 over a wired or wirelessconnection. As described herein, one or more human-machine interfaces135 receive input from a user, which the electronic processor 125 usesto control the system 100.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart of a method 600 for positioning thepatient 105 for x-ray image acquisition according to one embodiment. Themethod 600 includes receiving, with the electronic processor 125, imagedata from the camera 110 (at block 605). The image data may be stillimages or video data. The image data includes images of the face of thepatient 105.

Based upon the received image data, the electronic processor 125identifies at least one facial feature of the patient 105 (at block610). For example, as described above, relevant axes, for example, aFrankfort line, a back-front line, or a feet-head line can be identifiedusing facial features in a coordinate system of the camera 110.Additional image data is then used to register an initial model. Basedupon a difference between an initial frame of the image data and acurrent frame of the image data, relevant axes can be updated and acurrent orientation of the head of the patient 105 can be determined. Inanother example, instead of using a difference between an initial frameand a current frame of image data, continuous landmark detection (forexample, tracking an eye, nose, mouth, or other facial feature) can beused to obtain a current orientation of the head of the patient 105.

Using the current orientation of the head of the patient 105, theelectronic processor 125 can determine if the face of the patient isaligned with at least one anatomical plane (at block 615). For example,as described above, the current orientation of the head may be comparedto a mid-sagittal plane, a coronal plane, and others. Based upon thetype of x-ray image acquisition being performed, the patient 105 must bealigned with a variety of combinations of anatomical planes. The currentorientation of the head is compared to the desired combination ofanatomical planes for alignment.

If the current orientation of the head is aligned with all of thedesired anatomical planes, the electronic processor 125 is configured todisplay an indication to the patient 105 using movement guides withalignment indicators showing the patient 105 that they are aligned (atblock 620). For example, FIG. 4C illustrates this condition. If thecurrent orientation of the head is out of alignment with one or moreanatomical planes, the electronic processor 125 instead displaysmovement guides illustrating the current orientation of the head withrespect to the various anatomical planes, allowing the patient 105 tosee where their head is out of alignment and correct for it. Thiscondition is illustrated in FIG. 4A.

If the patient is aligned with the various anatomical planes, theelectronic processor 125 is configured to begin x-ray image acquisitionand may also display a progress indicator to the patient 105. Theprogress indicator indicates how complete x-ray image acquisition is,which provides a visual reference to the patient 105 indicating how longthey must hold the current aligned position. Once the progress indicatoris complete, the patient 105 may move again. The progress indicator mayalso be displayed on a portion of the display 120 such that it can beused as a focus point for the patient 105 to maintain the properalignment. This portion of the display 120 may be determined by theelectronic processor 125 before or after alignment is determined.

The following examples illustrate example systems and methods describedherein. Example 1: a dental x-ray image acquisition system, the systemcomprising at least one camera configured to capture an image of apatient, a display configured to display an image, a two-way mirrorpositioned in between a patient location and the display, and anelectronic processor coupled to the camera and the display, theelectronic processor configured to control the display and the camera.

Example 2: the dental x-ray image acquisition system of example 1,wherein the two-way mirror is also positioned between the camera and thepatient.

Example 3: the dental x-ray image acquisition system any of examples1-2, wherein the camera is a component of the display.

Example 4: the dental x-ray image acquisition system of example 1,wherein the camera is a three-dimensional camera.

Example 5: a dental x-ray image acquisition system, the systemcomprising at least one camera configured to capture an image of apatient, a display, a two-way mirror positioned in between a patientlocation and the display, and an electronic processor coupled to thecamera and the display, the electronic processor configured to select,based upon a user input, an operating mode for the display and, basedupon the selected operating mode, display at least one image on thedisplay.

Example 6: the system of example 5, wherein the operating mode is anoperating mode selected from a group of operating modes consisting of amirror mode, an augmented mode, a light mode, and a monitor mode.

Example 7: the system of example 6, wherein the mirror mode consists ofthe display displaying a low intensity, dark background image.

Example 8: the system of example 6, wherein the augmented mode consistsof the display displaying a low intensity, dark background image in afirst portion of the display and displaying at least one other image ina second portion of the display.

Example 9: the system of example 8, wherein the at least one other imagedisplayed on the display is a positioning guide for the patient.

Example 10: the system of example 9, wherein the positioning guideillustrates at least one movement guide for the patient.

Example 11: the system according to example 10, wherein the movementguide illustrates a direction of movement for the patient.

Example 12: the system of any of examples 10-11, wherein the movementguide illustrates an alignment of a head of the patient with respect toat least one anatomical plane.

Example 13: the system of example 12, wherein the movement guideillustrates alignment of the head of the patient with respect to two ormore anatomical planes.

Example 14: the system of any of examples 12-13, wherein a graphicalelement of the movement guide is changed when the head of the patient isaligned with the at least one anatomical plane.

Example 15: a method for positioning a patient for x-ray imageacquisition, the method comprising receiving, with an electronicprocessor, image data from at least one camera; identifying, with theelectronic processor, at least one facial feature of the patient in theimage data; determining, with the electronic processor, if a face of thepatient is aligned with at least one anatomical plane based upon the atleast one facial feature; and displaying, with the electronic processor,at least one movement guide on a display based upon the determinedalignment of the face of the patient.

Example 16: the method of example 15, wherein the movement guideincludes an indicator that the face of the patient is aligned with theat least one anatomical plane.

Example 17: the method of example 16, further comprising displaying,with the electronic processor, a progress indicator indicating to thepatient to maintain a current position for a duration of imageacquisition.

Example 18: the method of example 15, wherein the movement guideincludes an indicator that the face of the patient is not aligned withthe at least one anatomical plane.

Example 19: the method of any of examples 15-18, wherein at least oneaxis is detected using the at least one facial feature.

Example 20: the method of example 19, wherein a current orientation ofthe face of the patient is determined using the at least one axis.

In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have beendescribed. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates thatvarious modifications and changes may be made without departing from thescope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly,the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrativerather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intendedto be included within the scope of present teachings.

The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) thatmay cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become morepronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essentialfeatures or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is definedsolely by the appended claims including any amendments made during thependency of this application and all equivalents of those claims asissued.

Moreover in this document, relational terms, for example, first andsecond, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguishone entity or action from another entity or action without necessarilyrequiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between suchentities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has,”“having,” “includes,” “including,” “contains,” “containing” or any othervariation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, suchthat a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has,includes, contains a list of elements does not include only thoseelements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherentto such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by“comprises . . . a,” “has . . . a,” “includes . . . a,” or “contains . .. a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence ofadditional identical elements in the process, method, article, orapparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains the element. The terms“a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless explicitly statedotherwise herein. The terms “substantially,” “essentially,”“approximately,” “about” or any other version thereof, are defined asbeing close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and inone non-limiting embodiment the term is defined to be within 10%, inanother embodiment within 5%, in another embodiment within 1% and inanother embodiment within 0.5%. The term “coupled” as used herein isdefined as connected, although not necessarily directly and notnecessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is “configured” ina certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also beconfigured in ways that are not listed.

It will be appreciated that some embodiments may be comprised of one ormore generic or specialized electronic processors (or “processingdevices”), for example, microprocessors, digital signal processors,customized processors and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) andunique stored program instructions (including both software andfirmware) that control the one or more electronic processors toimplement, in conjunction with certain non-processor circuits, some,most, or all of the functions of the method and/or apparatus describedherein. Alternatively, some or all functions could be implemented by astate machine that has no stored program instructions, or in one or moreapplication specific integrated circuits (ASICs), in which each functionor some combinations of certain of the functions are implemented ascustom logic. Of course, a combination of the two approaches could beused.

Moreover, an embodiment may be implemented as a computer-readablestorage medium having computer readable code stored thereon forprogramming a computer (for example, comprising an electronic processor)to perform a method as described and claimed herein. Examples of suchcomputer-readable storage mediums include, but are not limited to, ahard disk, a CD-ROM, an optical storage device, a magnetic storagedevice, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read OnlyMemory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an EEPROM(Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) and a Flashmemory. Further, it is expected that one of ordinary skill,notwithstanding possibly significant effort and many design choicesmotivated by, for example, available time, current technology, andeconomic considerations, when guided by the concepts and principlesdisclosed herein will be readily capable of generating such softwareinstructions and programs and ICs with minimal experimentation.

In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen thatvarious features are grouped together in various embodiments for thepurpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is notto be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimedembodiments require more features than are expressly recited in eachclaim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matterlies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus,the following claims are hereby incorporated into the DetailedDescription, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimedsubject matter.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for positioning a patient for x-rayimage acquisition, the method comprising: receiving, with an electronicprocessor, image data from at least one camera; identifying, with theelectronic processor, at least one facial feature of the patient in theimage data; determining, with the electronic processor, an alignment ofa face of the patient with at least one anatomical plane based upon theat least one facial feature; and displaying, with the electronicprocessor, at least one movement guide on a display based upon thealignment of the face of the patient.
 2. The method of claim 1, whereinthe movement guide includes an indicator that the face of the patient isaligned with the at least one anatomical plane.
 3. The method of claim2, further comprising displaying, with the electronic processor, aprogress indicator indicating to the patient to maintain a currentposition for a duration of image acquisition.
 4. The method of claim 1,wherein at least one axis is detected using the at least one facialfeature.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein a current orientation of theface of the patient is determined using the at least one axis.
 6. Themethod of claim 4, wherein the axis is updated based on a differencebetween an initial frame of the image data and a current frame of theimage data.
 7. A method for positioning a patient for x-ray imageacquisition, the method comprising: receiving, with an electronicprocessor, image data from at least one camera of a dental x-ray imageacquisition system; identifying, with the electronic processor, at leastone facial feature of the patient in the image data; and displaying,with the electronic processor, at least one movement guide on a displaybased upon the identified facial feature of the patient, wherein thedental x-ray image acquisition system includes a display configured todisplay an image, a two-way mirror configured to be positioned inbetween a patient location and the display, and wherein the electronicprocessor is coupled to the camera and the display, the electronicprocessor configured to control the display and the camera.
 8. Themethod of claim 7, further including positioning the two-way mirrorbetween the at least one camera and the patient.
 9. The method of claim7, wherein the movement guide includes an indicator that a face of thepatient is properly aligned.
 10. The method of claim 9, furthercomprising displaying, with the electronic processor, a progressindicator indicating to the patient to maintain a current position for aduration of image acquisition.
 11. A method for positioning a patientfor x-ray image acquisition, the method comprising: positioning atwo-way mirror between a camera of a dental x-ray image acquisitionsystem and a patient; receiving, with an electronic processor, imagedata from the camera; determining, with the electronic processor, analignment of a face of the patient in the image data using continuouslandmark detection; and displaying, with the electronic processor, amovement guide on a display based upon the determined alignment, whereinthe dental x-ray image acquisition system further includes a displayconfigured to display an image, and wherein the electronic processor iscoupled to the camera and the display, the electronic processorconfigured to control the display and the camera.
 12. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the movement guide includes an indicator that the faceof the patient is properly aligned.
 13. The method of claim 12, furthercomprising displaying, with the electronic processor, a progressindicator indicating to the patient to maintain a current position for aduration of image acquisition.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein atleast one axis is detected using at least one facial feature of thepatient.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein a current orientation ofthe face of the patient is determined using the at least one axis.